A double-blind trial of isoniazid for essential tremor and other action tremors.

Abstract

We conducted a double-blind trial of isoniazid in 11 patients with essential tremor and four patients with other types of postural action tremor. The tremor had not been helped by beta-blockers or primidone. Isoniazid was given in doses up to 1,200 mg daily, together with 100 mg pyridoxine, for four weeks. Results were assessed with subjective and objective scales. Only two patients with essential tremor appeared to benefit enough to continue the drug after the trial, and only one has benefited from its long-term use. Isoniazid may be useful in rare cases of essential tremor, but must be monitored carefully because of its toxicity.

• Authors: M Hallett, J Ravits, R M Dubinsky, M M Gillespie, A Moinfar
• Journal: Movement disorders : official journal of the Movement Disorder Society (Mov Disord) Vol. 6 Issue 3 Pg. 253-6 ( 1991) ISSN: 0885-3185 [Print] United States
• PMID: 1681430 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Controlled Clinical Trial, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Adrenergic beta-Antagonists
• Placebos
• Primidone
• Isoniazid

Topics

• Adrenergic beta-Antagonists (therapeutic use)
• Adult
• Aged
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Humans
• Isoniazid (administration & dosage, therapeutic use, toxicity)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Parkinson Disease (complications, drug therapy)
• Placebos
• Primidone (therapeutic use)
• Tremor (drug therapy, etiology)